Amar Shaheeds: Bhai Beant Singh and Bhai Satwant Singh

First Beant Singh and Satwant Singh wanted to see with their own eyes what Indira Gandhi had done in Punjab, and at Amritsar. The three Singhs shocked at the scene at Siri Akal Thakht Sahib, made their minds up and went to Siri Darbar Sahib and did ardas, “Oh Akaal Purkh, give us strength!”

After seeing the state of Siri Darbar Sahib, both Satwant Singh and Beant Singh returned to Delhi back to their duty. On 24th October 1984, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh took Amrit at a Gurdwara in Delhi. Neither were particularly knowledgeable on Gurbani, but Operation Blue Star and the legend of Sukha Singh and Mehtab Singh were foremost in their mind. This is what led them to take the blessing of Amrit.

Satwant Singh always had the late shift, and Beant Singh always had the early shift. They had to work out a way to both be on duty together. On 31st October, Satwant Singh faked a stomach bug, and swapped duties with another guard. Now they had to decide how to do the task. They decided the best time was when Indira Gandhi was doing her walkabout.

On the morning of 31st October 1984 at 9am as Indira Gandhi walked from her house to her office at Safardajung Road. Bhai Beant Singh shot her 5 times with his service revolver. Bhai Satwant Singh at the same time lifted his Thompson Staingun and shot 28 bullets. Seeing Indira Gandhi fall, all of her PA`s and ministers ran for their lives. The Indo-Tibetian Border Police commandos, who also guarded the grounds would not come close. Both Singhs shouted “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akaal!!”.

These two brave lions walked on this path without thinking twice. They both had families and they both knew that those relatives of theirs would have to suffer for their actions. But even knowing this they chose to walk on this beautiful path of truth and justice which was set by Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj.

Today the Sikh Kaum has forgotten their sacrifice. Even remembering them on the day they sent Indira Gandhi to face dharma raj seems too much for many.

After Bhai Beant Singh Ji drank the nectar of martyrdom his three children, Bhai Sarabjeet Singh, Bhai Jasvinder Singh and Bibi Amrit Kaur were kicked out of the school they used to attend. These three children were turned down at all government schools they applied to. Even the SGPC denied them education in Khalsa college! As a consequence of this all three children had to get a private education.

Today Bhai Beant Singh Ji’s sons live in Phase 5 of Sahibzada Ajeet Singh Nagar, Mohali. Their source of income is nothing more than the rent they receive from a room.

Bhai Beant Singh Ji’s family live in a financially weak situation. But they have never and will never regret the actions that their father undertook to keep the Kesri Nishan Sahib flying.

Even Bhai Beant Singh Ji’s father, Sardar Sucha Singh Ji lived in a very poor financial situation. But this Gursikh never asked for anything. He lived in his shattered home in Maloa village in Ropar with very few belongings. Despite the hardships he faced he always kept the picture of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale on his wall and always remained very proud of his son Bhai Beant Singh Ji.

We remember these Shaheeds for one day and then forget until next year. We should die of shame that those brothers of ours who gave their lives for our Panth, and trusted us to take care of their families once they were gone, have been so completely betrayed. If there was any justice in this world, these families would be treated like the Princes and Princesses they really are. They would want for nothing. They would have more resources than regular families, not less.

This is just one example amongst many thousands.

At the moment the Sikh Kaum has adopted a very selfish attitude. All we think about is ‘our’ own family. What have we done to support the families of those who died for Sikhi? What message are we sending future generations? Die for the Sikh Panth and your parents, wives and children will live in filth and poverty? Who will have the courage and faith to give his sacrifice now?

Every court in the land, only gave the sentence that Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had wanted. In the Supreme Court, Bhai Satwant Singh made a statement. He said, “Let any part of my body, after my Shaheedi, be removed and used by anyone (Doner) who may need. However if you need my eyes, let the authorities tell my parents. I have no hatred for any Hindu, Muslim, Christian, neither hatred for any religion. After my Shaheedi, let no Sikh throw any rock at any Hindu. I am not in favour of any retaliation or bloodshed over my Shaheedi. If we do create bloodshed, then there is no difference between us and Rajiv Gandhi. I am Proud of the task that I did! I do ardas in front of Waheguru ! If I am blessed with a human life, then give me a death of the Brave when I am hanged. Forget one life, if I could I would give up a thousand lives to kill dushts like Indira Gandhi, and laugh as I become Shaheed by hanging…”

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh ********Act!!!

Next time you go to Delhi or Panjab, take some time out of your trip to visit areas where our Sikh heroes families are living (usually shanty towns) and donate whatever you can. Give it to these people directly. Help them improve the quality of their lives.

Their relatives gave their lives for us, so we could live as free Sikhs without being under the foot of the corrupt Indian government - the least we can do is give a little something back.